Armthorpe Welfare v Hemsworth Welfare - Pre Season Friendly

Armthorpe went into the match looking to avenge the defeat suffered last Saturday against an unknown Marske United. Brian Johnston and his side made the short twenty-mile trip down the Doncaster Road to face NCEL Division One side, Hemsworth Welfare.

The first half saw Armthorpe set up in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation; the favoured formation of manager Brian Johnston. Both sides started well with good pressing football. Welfares defence got into a pickle after ten minutes, Hemsworth placed a free kick into the 18 yard area, nodded on by their centre half then it was flicked in at the back post, only to be chalked off to what was the right call on a offside decision from the linesman.

After this neither side could grab hold of the game, costly mistakes in front of goal made sure that the scoreline stayed at 0-0 until the 33^rd minute when Armthorpe broke the deadlock. Welfare had constant possession of the ball, a misplaced pass lead to a back pass from the Hemsworth centre half, the goal keeper misjudged it and it trickled into the net, 1-0 Welfare. Things were looking up for Johnston’s side.

But, as the saying goes ‘you’re most vulnerable after you’ve just scored’, and that just what Armthorpe had ringing in their ears moments later. The ball was played over the top by Hemsworth, and what looked to most people as an offside run, wasn’t seen by the linesman so striker Damien Liddle had all the time in the world to pick his spot and slot his shot past Armthorpe ‘keeper, Richard Watson. 1-1 on the stroke of half time, a kick in the teeth for hard working Armthorpe.

The second half kicked off with five changes to the Armthorpe line up, manager Brian Johnston still trying to find his best eleven. After three minutes of the restart Armthorpe switched off at the back and let Hemsworth in, luckily the shot was pulled wide. But then just eight minutes later a mistake from young shot stopper, Will Biggs, let Hemsworth in to take the lead. A poor, heavy touch was picked up by Harry Viggars, he took it round the keeper and side footed it into the empty net. 2-1 after 58 minutes, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Welfare responded well, putting Hemsworth under lots of pressure with attacks from both wings but the final ball wasn’t up to scratch. Hemsworth then got a foot back into the contest and from nothing, the ball was picked up in the middle of the park, with no Armthorpe defender around the forward, he took it round a stranded Biggs, and slotted it into the open net once again. The game slipping away from Armthorpe. 3-1 after 75 minutes.

Welfare had to withstand viscous pressure from Hemsworth, forcing Biggs into a brilliant diving save. Then a way back for Armthorpe, a jinking run from ‘Bucko’ the left full back, he dragged a ball back to edge of the 18 yard area, Craig Morley met it with his right boot, it cannoned off the post and bounced off the Hemsworth keepers back to make it 3-2. But then from the kick off, the ball went down the Armthorpe end, once again a bad touch from Biggs, let in Hemsworth for there 4^th of the evening. Silly errors from the young man, better off now then in a league match if you ask me.

Full time blew at the Fitzwilliam Stadium with Hemsworth coming out on top. Armthorpe played some decent football during the match, it will take time for the lads to start gelling, remember its only our 3^rd friendly, there is still more to come from Johnston’s men. The next match is at Church Street on Saturday against Runcorn Town. Get down and support the lads. 

Armthorpe Welfare v Athletico Tap - Pre Season Friendly Report

A warm summers night, a perfect night for Armthopre Welfare to kick off their pre season campaign against unknown Sunday league opposition in the form of, Athletico Tap. This is manager Brian Johnston’s first look at his players in full match action.

Welfare set up the first half with a 4-2-3-1 formation, hopefully a sight fans will see more often, straight away from the kick off Welfare started brightly and attacked Athletico’s defence, with balls from the left and right causing horrors to the red and white’s defence. Slow and steady build up play was the order of the day from Armthorpe as they made their way forward once again. Then on 12 minutes a cross came in from the left into the uncertain area for centre half’s and the keeper which led to Welfare’s first goal, a goal mouth scramble followed, the ball popped up and was then nodded in to put Welfare one up in the contest. 1-0 Welfare after 12 minutes

Welly started to find their feet in the game, not letting Tap have any possession. Every man in a blue shirt looking comfortable on the ball, not making any silly errors. Once again Welfare make the most of the possession they have, a quick one two in the 18 yard area gave Welfare the opportunity to double their lead, which they dually took, a toe poke past Tap’s keeper into the bottom left corner. 2-0 Welfare after 22 minutes.

Athletico then started to get a foothold into the match, moving forward with some fluidity. But a rigid Welfare defence, lead by Welly legend, Richard Smith cut out every attack with much ease. Then on 37 minutes, Tap played a ball to the left, which found their galloping full back, who took a touch inside the 18-yard area and hit a low shot past Will Biggs in the Welfare goal. 2-1, 37 minutes played.

Three minutes later, Welfare then went on the attack, a shot from 20 yards out, was flicked in by Welfare’s forward but found its self chalked off due to a dubious offside call from the linesman. Welfare had responded well to the conceded goal. The referee then called half time with Welfare heading into the break at 2-1 up.

The second half got under way and straight away Welfare broke, the ball was held up outside the 18-yard box and it was struck with real venom into the top right corner, only to be met with the woodwork. Then Tap broke away, a cross came in from the right and another goalmouth scramble developed and Tap hit the bar twice! Both sides unlucky in the minute of madness.  

Welfare then increased their one goal advantage to two, through a well worked goal from the right hand side. From then on in both sides started to tire, with silly mistakes creeping in.

Full time blew and Welfare came out deserved winners from what was a winnable game. Pay Athletico Tap their due’s they came and gave it good crack of the whip, but in the end Welfare were just too strong.

With the start of the season just three weeks away, Armthorpe look in a good position to be fighting for a mid table finish. Johnston’s men look in good physical shape and seem to be moulding together like a topside should. But time will tell as to how this new look Welfare side will fair in the NCEL Premiership this season. The next test in pre season for Brian and his side will be on Saturday against Marske United at Church Street. 

An Interview With David Poppleton

During the off season, Armthopre Welfare have had some major rebuilding to do. With a new manager at the helm a new assistant had to be found. Manager Brian Johnston had a search on his hands. He had only one man in his sights, former Everton and England Schoolboy midfielder, David Poppleton.

David started his career at Everton as a schoolboy, impressing every coach along the way. Representing England at under 17’s level, playing alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, Wes Brown and one of England’s greatest goalscorers Michael Owen. But David has said these aren’t the greatest players he’s come across in his career. “The best players I’ve ever come across are Pablo Aimar, Esteban Cambiasso and Riquelme, which were the three across the midfield that beat England in 2006 World Cup in Germany.”

After time out from the game, David felt it was time to give something back, when the call from Brian came David took the chance with both hands. We wanted to know what David is going to gain from his new role at Welfare. “Experience at coaching, I’m currently embarking on my UEFA B course and mainly improving this side we have here at Welfare, we have some great lads here and I can’t wait to get started.”

David is a very enthusiastic man who wants the best for Welfare after the troubles of last season. Dave is a highly qualified man, and his new role is a major stepping stone in his coaching career. I asked David if he was looking forward to working with Brian and his current squad of players. “Yeah of course, the lads have really responded well to the sessions we have conducted, because I don’t think they had any proper sessions in the past. I can’t wait to see how they react over the season and mould together.”

From David’s past experience with all the different coaches he’s played under, we wanted to know what skills he picked up from them, and what qualities he has to bring to Welfare. “I’m not a person that dwells on the negatives and I focus on the positives. I have experience from playing at a high level and I have taken a lot on board from the different coaches I have played under and I want to pass that on to the lads we here at Welfare.”

This season is a big one for Welfare. After the horrors of last year a major rebuild has happened at Church Street, new, fresh faces have been introduced into the side with some experienced old guard kept on. We wanted to know what David’s plans were for this coming season. “Its difficult for me because I haven’t been around this level for 10 or 12 years so I’m still learning, but from what I’ve heard about last year and the sides in and around us then I think top eight would be brilliant.” Manager Brian Johnston still believes that Dave can cut at this level; we popped this question to him. “Possibly 15 minutes, but who knows.” As he laughs.

As we all know, last season was horrific for everyone at Church Street. But what I’ve seen and what the management has told me, this season is going to be a great one. We’ve heard what the manager wants from this season, but what about David? “If we’re organized and well drilled then I can’t see why we can’t be mid table if not even higher.”

The season is only 3 weeks away, the team is coming together nicely and it could be a special season for Welfare. So get down to Church Street and support a strong Welfare side that has a point to prove. 

Brian Johnston Interview

A new season is upon us and a new look Welfare side is on the horizon. After the horrors and disappointment of last year, it’s down to new manager Brian Johnston and his assistant David Poppleton to change the fortunes of the club around.

Last season, Brian took over from resigning manager Leo Fortune West and his task became keeping Welfare in the top division. There were many issues inside the camp and instantly Brian noticed these issues and changed the team mentality. “I could see major things in the team moral and team bonding, making them all play for each other, happiness and discipline.’ Brian soon made the choice to improve all of these problems because as we saw last season, it all leads to bad results and poor performances.

Last season Brian saved the club from relegation on the last day with a 2-1 home win against Glasshoughton Welfare. After all the nerves and tension, we wanted to know if the full time job interested Brian. “We have a great set of lads at Armthorpe and when I got to know everyone at the club and how passionate they were, it inspired me to want the job full time.” Brian was then interviewed for the job and took official charge of the side on the 24^th of May.

The interview process was a long and difficult period for all involved. The committee left nothing to chance due to the problems found with the last managerial regime. Brian was the front-runner throughout the process, we asked his feelings about this. “I wasn’t too sure about it, I did hear little rumours around. It take time and the suspense became a killer, but of course I wanted the job.”

So a new season is just around the corner for Armthorpe. We all hope this season is much better than the last. From being around the team as much as he has, I wanted to know if Brian had seen anything that encouraged him to believe that this new season is going to be better than the last. “The heart of the team is here, we are bringing new players into the squad, the quality of the 4 or 5 that we have signed if we can get them fit and work on them is something that’s exciting me, I’m certainly encouraged by what I have seen.”  

During the summer break Brian was on the search for an assistant manager and he set his sights on one man, former Everton and Lincoln City star David Poppleton. David has played with the likes of Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Wes Brown at England schoolboy level. Hopefully he has taken his experience as a player into his new coaching role with Welfare; I wanted to know from Brian what David brings to the table. “I’ve known Dave for a lots of years, I remember seeing him a young lad at 15 and 16, he was struck down with injuries at an early age and retired. Recently he’s taken his coaching badges and is extremely knowledgeable on set plays and dead ball tactics. Also I believe that he can still pull a shirt on at this level and make a difference. He’s a likeable character and he can offer a lot to us.”

The new season starts in three weeks and we wanted to know Brian’s expectations for his new look Welfare side. “I know where I’d like to finish and that’s with everyone below us, but with our tight budget we know we can’t compete with the top teams on that, but I do have a realistic goal and that’s mid table, if we can finish mid table, I’ll be very happy.”

Everyone at the club is making a short wait until the fixtures are released and the season begins. From what I have seen the squad is moulding very nicely together. We all hope that this year will be better than the last. So get down this season as much as you can and support Brian and the team, and cheer them onto a successful season.  

Armthorpe Welfare: Season Review 2012\2013

The 2012/2013 season started with so much promise Welfare, with an influx of new players, fresh ideas from the management and the backing of the loyal fans down at Church Street, it was time to start looking at promotion out of the Baris NECL Premiership.

Pre-season didn’t go well for Welly with only one win in four friendly matches against lesser quality opposition, manager Leo Fortune West had to change many things before the first game of the season at home against Long Eaton United. Loosing the first game of any season is seen as cardinal sin in Football and unfortunately Welfare did just that, being on the end of a 2-1 defeat. The month of August did turn out to be one of the best for Welfare this season, taking seven points from six league matches.

The month of September came and went very quickly with Welfare only taking four points from a possible 18. The management soon became aware of the relegation fight them found themselves in. Manager Fortune-West needed to get the team in shape for a tricky period over October, November and December. Fans’ already worrying after the poor performances seen at Church Street that relegation was on the horizon.  From a season the promised so much hope, inconsistency was becoming a huge factor for Welfare.

As Christmas rolled along, Leo’s men needed a good month, and that’s just what they had. With only four games over the festival period Welfare took six points out of a possible 12. December turned out to be a good month for Leo’s men who were starting to look up the table rather than down.

Christmas came and went with Welfare looking up the table, and then the run of good form took a turn for the worst. A run of two months without a win dragged Welly back down to the foot of the table. And until the end of the season in May, Welfare had only two wins in five months, relegation form. Fans and management put this down to inconsistency within the team selection and the manager’s tactics. Then with three games of the season left manager Leo Fortune West took the decision to resign from his post as first team manager of Welfare. The club then had to focus on fighting off relegation on the final day of the season.

Picture the scene, Church Street bathed in sunshine for the final game of the Welfare season, D-Day. Welfare started nervously, going behind after 27 minutes. But then with 20 minutes left to save their season, Welfare scored two goals in two minutes, one from Welfare hero Richard Smith, to save their disaster of a season.

This week Welfare has announced their new manager as Brian Johnston. Brian is looking to take the team further and point them into a new direction. So any Welfare fan, I urge you to get down to Church Street at any point next season to support your local club.

Armthorpe Welfare v Glasshoughton Welfare

Armthorpe Welfare v Glasshoughton Welfare – Match Preview

On Saturday, Church Street welcomes Glasshoughton Welfare for a vital league match. A recent dip in form for both sides has seen a slide down the NCELP for both teams. And on Saturday, this game is seen as massive ‘6 pointer’.

Armthorpe have only won 1 in their last 11 league games. This type form needs a change, and change must happen on Saturday if they want to avoid the drop. Player/manager Leo Fortune West has no new injury concerns or suspensions for the visit of Glasshoughton, so a full strength team is looking likely. An unchanged side from Tuesday’s league cup match against Parkgate is what we might see set up on the Church Street turf on Saturday afternoon.

As for Glasshoughton, it’s been a troublesome few months for the West Yorkshire side. On the 11^th December new boss Rob Hunter took charge of the side after a recent run of bad results saw Graham Hodder tender his resignation. Then on the 10^th March they were landed with a one point, points deduction for fielding an ineligible player during their league match with Thackley, this was also accompanied with an £100 fine. So stability is what’s needed at this time of the season for the West Yorkshire team.  

Glasshoughton with only 2 wins in 6 will have a tough task on their hands at Church Street on Saturday afternoon with a determined Armthorpe looking for back to back wins for the first since the end of December. Armthorpe with only 3 home wins this season and Glasshoughton with only 4 away wins all season, the stats add up to this being a fascinating clash between two sides determined to beat the drop. So if you’re looking for some local football, Church Street seems to be the place to be.

Armthorpe Welfare V Glasshoughton Welfare

Church Street

3pm Kick off

Adults £5 Children £3

Michael Burton

Armthorpe Welfare FC v Parkgate FC

Armthorpe Welfare v Parkgate FC – Match Report

On the third time of asking the third round tie between Armthorpe Welfare and Parkgate finally got the go ahead. Difficult weather conditions postponed both fixtures in the previous weeks. Leo and his men wanted the game to happened due to the heavy run in of the relegation battle Welfare find themselves in. On a cold Tuesday night at Church Street, Leo and his team set their sights on a Quarterfinal place.

Before kick off Church Street stood in silence to remember the memory of the Parkgate gate keeper, Fred Powell, who sadly past away on the morning of the game. From the whistle Welfare stared brightly with darting runs down the left side piling early pressure on the Parkgate full back. Then on 5 minutes, Welfare won a throw, Berivan Khaled hooved the ball into the path of Leo Fortune West who took it on his chest, turned then was bundled down inside the idea, referee Hristo Karaivanov had no option but point to the spot. Captain Steve Garner stepped up and powered it into the top right corner. The early goal settled Welfare and put the pressure on Parkgate.  From the restart, Welfare played the ball along the deck with menace, once again piling the pressure on Parkgate. The ball was picked up in midfield from Chris Davies who played an inch perfect threw ball into the path of manager Leo Fortune West, who turned and once again was bundled to the ground, penalty to Welfare. Up stepped Steve Garner who placed the ball into the bottom left corner. Welfare in dreamland, 2-0 up after 10 minutes.

Parkgate then slowly started to crawl back into the game with a long free kick headed into ‘keeper William Briggs hands. But then Welfare broke on the counter with a crossfield ball from Chris Davies, headed into the path of Stuart Preston who slid a ball into the path of James Walker who struck it with venom into the bottom left corner. Three up after twenty minutes, Welfare with one foot into the quarters.

After some slow build up play from Welfare, Parkgate became frustrated and a two footed challenge on Kieran Benson saw yellow for Parkgate’s captain, Adam Shephard. Then Welfare switched off at the back and a long ball over the top, which looked offside, but wasn’t given by the official punished Welfare and Jamie Smith powered home past Briggs to make it 3-1. Parkgate started to test Welfare’s back four.

On 30 minutes Welfare became a cropper for the crossfield ball. Played from the middle of the park to Parkgate’s left winger, jinked inside Braithwaite and struck a hard curling shot into the top corner of Brigg’s goal. This goal from Craig Fletcher saw Welfare’s lead cut from three to just one after ten minutes.

Welfare felt the need to hit back, and hit back they sure did. A darting run from right full back, Mike Braithwaite, down the right hand flank, floats over a cross into the path of an unmarked Leo Fortune West who heads home from 5 yards to give Welfare the 2 goal cushion once again.

Parkgate did have a goal chalked off just minutes after the restart, due a dubious offside call from the linesman. Parkgate also hit the post and the bar in this time. Welfare were just looking for half time to come to rest and regroup. But then Welfare broke with Chris Davies who played a crossfield ball to Stuart Preston, nodded back to Davies who struck the ball on the up and Parkgate’s keeper tipped the ball onto the bar.

An end-to-end first half then came to a halt, referee Karaivanov blew for half time. Much needed for Armthorpe after coming under a barrage of pressure from Parkgate.

The second half then got underway and straight from the whistle Welfare came under heavy pressure from Parkgate. One minute after the restart, Parkgate went on the attack. An inch perfect cross from number 7, Steve Brammer was powered home off the head of forward Jamie Smith, Welfare were caught cold after half time. Roles reversed from the first half. 4-3.

Welfare’s second half tactics looked like sit back and keep the score as it is. But that didn’t plan didn’t work as it was planned. Trying to soak up as much pressure as Parkgate could throw at them, the ball was played once again to the right wing and Steve Brammer played another world class cross and that was turned home with a looping header from Sam Smith on 58 minutes over ‘keeper Brigg’s head. 4-4.

Welfare looked rattled, and did try to push for a fifth, and then it nearly came. A ball came in from the left flank and floated to an unmarked Leo fortune West who caught it sweet on his head into the bottom right corner but Parkgate’s ‘keeper Andy Sneath pulled off a top class save to keep Welfare’s star man out, to keep the score at 4-4.

Moments after Parkgate went on the attack again, stroking the ball around and making Welfare run. The ball was picked up in midfield, from 30 yards the ball was hit towards goal from Sam Roebuck, keeper Briggs slipped on the muddy pitch and the ball rolled into the back of the net. Harsh on Welfare to concede in this fashion. 4-5.

This spurred Welfare on even more. Full back, Khaled made jinking runs but none came to anything. Welfare started to tire towards full time, where Parkgate seemed to pick up a gear. Then once again, a run down the right flank from Parkgate’s Jamie Smith then jinked inside three Welfare defenders and struck a shot from 20 yards and curled it into the opposite corner, his hattrick and Parkgate’s sixth. 4-6. Welfare’s dreams of a quarterfinal place, shattered.

The full time whistle blew. A game of two poor defences saw an unconvincing win for a Parkgate side that will now meet Worksop Parramore in the quarterfinals. This now gives Welfare a chance to focus on fighting off relegation. With 6 games left of the season, fans need to get behind Leo’s men who after that first half performance tonight, should see staying in the NCELP, no problem at all.